You’ve decided that this surgery may be right for you. You’ve confirmed that you are a suitable candidate. Now, what are you in for? What’s involved with the surgery? The information provided below is not only valid for procedures performed in the Toronto area but elsewhere as well.
Complete Abdominoplasty
If you require a this type of surgery your abdomen will be cut from hipbone to hipbone and your skin, muscle and tissue, as needed, will be contoured to produce the results you and your surgeon agreed upon. One thing to note, MAKE SURE that your surgeon understands your goals. Make him/her repeat your goals and expectations back to you to ensure understanding. In addition your navel will be moved and you may require drainage for a few days. This surgery may take up to five hours to complete.
Mini Abdominoplasty
With the partial tummy tuck contouring is still performed. However, the belly button may not be moved since this procedure is most often done on those whom have fat deposits located below the navel. This surgery could only take up to two hours to complete.
How to Prepare
Again, you will get detailed information from your surgeon on what you need to do prior to the surgery. This will give you an idea of what is required and that this is not something you decide to do today and get done tomorrow.
Some things you will want to do and may be asked to do are:
- One of the first things to do is choose your surgeon.
- Quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after the surgery. Smoking slows the healing process and makes complications more likely so it is not enough to reduce your smoking. You must QUIT!
- Eat healthy. Have and maintain a healthy diet. Do not start any drastic diets.
- Stop taking current medications fjor a period of time before and after surgery. This may be required depending on the medications (prescriptions, supplements and herbal) that you are taking.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
- Arrange to have someone spend the night with you when you get home if you live alone.
- Have loose fitting clothing available that can be easily put on and removed.
- Have ice packs and petroleum jelly available.
- Get a bath chair and a hand-held shower head.
Risks
Don’t kid yourself, everything has risks no matter how common place it may seem. The procedure is safe and the risks are rare. Your surgeon will explain further.
Complications could include infection, bleeding or blood clots. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease you have a higher risk of experiencing complications. As stated elsewhere, visit your family doctor and have a checkup prior to your surgery so that everyone involved understands the status of your health prior to undergoing the surgery. This is for everyone’s benefit.
Recovery
After the surgery you will experience pain and swelling for a few days. Of course, your doctor will prescribe pain medication and advise on how to best handle the pain. Don’t be surprised if you experience some discomfort for several weeks, maybe even months, after the surgery. Also, during the recovery time you will most likely have bruising, numbness and feel fatigued. I’m pretty sure this does not come as a surprise to you.
It may take some time (months) for you to feel normal again enough to return to your daily routine. However, most people during this time just love the results and are happy with their new look. The wait time is a small price to pay and will be worth it!
Also, the surgery will leave a scar(s) that will fade slightly but never disappear. Certain creams and ointments can help with the scars. Your surgeon will make suggestions to you.
